World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), in association with the Shepparton Triathlon Club (STC), has finalized a three-year agreement for the new Ironman 70.3 Shepparton event, set to take place north of Melbourne in the state of Victoria on Sunday, November 13.
The event will continue to be produced by the Shepparton Triathlon Club (STC), event managers of the successful Shepparton Half Ironman, and the agreement will extend from 2011 to 2013.
“The Shepparton Triathlon Club is thrilled to secure a three-year agreement with World Triathlon Corporation and excited that Campbell’s continues to support our event as the major sponsor,” said Race Director Peter Guy.
“The event continues to grow, and we are now on a world stage amongst some of the leading triathlon events. This speaks volumes for a dedicated volunteer committee as well as the community that supports it.”
Taking place two hours north of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, Ironman 70.3 Shepparton incorporates the city itself and amazing rural scenery along the bike course.
Shepparton offers one of the fastest Ironman 70.3 courses worldwide and with its picturesque 1.9K lake swim, flat and fast 90.1K bike, and 21.1K run along the Goulburn river, it continues to attract top professionals and age group athletes from around the world.
“This announcement secures four independently licensed Ironman 70.3 events in Australia for 2011,” said WTC Australian Headquarters General Manager, Shane Smith.
“Shepparton is a great venue for Ironman 70.3 racing and competitor support over recent years confirms this. The increased prize purse and KPR (Kona Pro Ranking) points on offer are a boost to the sport in Australia and allows the country’s best athletes to perform at home.”
Ironman 70.3 Shepparton moves from the former Australian Half Ironman Series to the global Ironman 70.3 Series, adding 25 age group qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada, as well as US$15,000 in prize money and P-500 KPR status for the professional field.
